1 Timothy 5:23 - Exposition

Be no longer a drinker of for drink no longer , A.V. Be... a drinker of water ( ὑδροπότει ); here only in the New Testament. It is found in some codices of the LXX . in Daniel 1:12 , and also in classical Greek. We learn from hence the interesting fact that Timothy was, in modern parlance, a total abstainer; and we also learn that, in St. Paul's judgment, total abstinence was not to be adhered to if injurious to the health. The epithet, "a little," should not be overlooked. Was Luke, the beloved physician, with St. Paul when he wrote this prescription (see 2 Timothy 4:11 )? It is also interesting to have this passing allusion to Timothy's bad health, and this instance of St. Paul's thoughtful consideration for him. Infirmities ( ἀσθενείας ); in the sense of sicknesses , attacks of illness.